Which electrolyte abnormality is typical in adrenal insufficiency?

Which electrolyte abnormality is typical in adrenal insufficiency?

• A. Hyponatremia
• B. Hypernatremia
• C. Hypokalemia
• D. Hyperkalemia

Answer: (A)

In adrenal insufficiency, lacking aldosterone disrupts kidney handling of sodium and potassium. The kidney loses the ability to reclaim sodium and to excrete potassium, so plasma sodium falls while potassium tends to rise. Hyponatremia is especially common because cortisol deficiency increases ADH release and promotes water retention, which dilutes sodium and, along with volume depletion from salt wasting, further lowers serum sodium. While hyperkalemia can occur due to reduced aldosterone, hyponatremia is the more consistent and typical electrolyte disturbance in this condition. Hypernatremia and hypokalemia are not characteristic features here.

In adrenal insufficiency, lacking aldosterone disrupts kidney handling of sodium and potassium. The kidney loses the ability to reclaim sodium and to excrete potassium, so plasma sodium falls while potassium tends to rise. Hyponatremia is especially common because cortisol deficiency increases ADH release and promotes water retention, which dilutes sodium and, along with volume depletion from salt wasting, further lowers serum sodium. While hyperkalemia can occur due to reduced aldosterone, hyponatremia is the more consistent and typical electrolyte disturbance in this condition. Hypernatremia and hypokalemia are not characteristic features here.